Former Waterloo star Ben Kay denies he will be returning to Merseyside

Former Waterloo star Ben Kay denies he will be returning to Merseyside

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FORMER Waterloo star Ben Kay has offered to help the St Anthony’s Road club, whilst ruling out a move to Caldy.

The 34-year-old second row World Cup winner was told by Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill that he is surplus to requirements at Welford Road and is not being offered an extension on his contract – ending his 11-year association with the club.

Rumours have been rife that Kay would be stepping down rugby’s ladder to sign for home town club Caldy.

But the long-time second row partner of World Cup winning skipper Martin Johnson for club and country has laughed off the speculation, insisting he still has what it takes to play at the highest level.

“I heard the rumours about me signing for Caldy but they aren’t true,” Kay said.

“I haven’t got a clue how they started but it might be the fact that I have got some mates involved down there and they have probably been joking around but there is no truth in that rumour whatsoever.

“I can’t see myself dropping down to that level anytime soon to be honest, definitely not in a playing capacity.

“I will certainly go back but not in a professional capacity.

“ I did a dinner there last week and I offered my services to do the odd session with them and things like that.

“I haven’t made any decisions on my future and I have a few things in the pipeline but I haven’t made any firm conclusions.”

Kay lined up against England at Twickenham on Sunday in the colours of the Barbarians rather than the Red Roses – alongside fellow Englishmen Paul Sackey and Julian White.

But Kay believes he still has the necessary tools to play top division rugby, even if his dream of appearing in a third World Cup final for England appears doomed.

“I still feel I have what it takes to play top level rugby and I am confident in my abilities,” added Kay.

“Everyone wants to play at the top level for as long as they can and I am no different.

“I am sad to leave Leicester but it is nice to go out with a bang and end on a high with such a great season.

“These couple of games with the Barbarians is all about just enjoying my rugby, taking a step away from the worries of club rugby and just focusing on enjoying myself.”

l Thanks to MasterCard, fan Kevin Wand is living, eating and training as the 23rd member of the Barbarians squad. To get the news from Kevin's week, and for your chance to win other rugby prizes, go to www.benumber23.co.uk/priceless MasterCard is Match Sponsor of the Barbarians International fixtures.